The Montane Spine Race is a 268 mile non-stop race following the Pennine Way from Edale to Kirk Yetholm in midwinter. It is regarded as one of the world’s toughest endurance races. This year is its 10th anniversary and the starting line up is impressive. An epic challenge, a veritable monster that scares me silly … Continue reading Montane Spine Race 2022
Wales, Monday, September 6, 2021
236 miles, 17,000 m ascent
The Dragon’s Back RaceRad Cefn Y Ddraig‘The World’s Toughest Mountain Race’6th – 11th September 2021236 miles, 57,000ft, 6 days As for so many others, this last year has been exceptionally challenging. To say things have not gone to plan would be an understatement. The one thing that keeps me on the brighter side is my … Continue reading Montane Dragon’s Back Race 2021
Elaine tackles the Crib Goch ridge Elaine Bisson achieves second place in “The World’s Toughest Mountain Race” The Montane Dragon’s Back Race is definitely not a race to take lightly. This six-day stage race takes competitors across the rugged spine of Wales from the north coast at Conwy to the capital, Cardiff. The total distance … Continue reading Elaine Bisson Stars in Montane Dragon’s Back Race
Edale To Hawes, Saturday, January 11, 2020
108miles, 17000ft elevation, 60 hours cut off
The Spine Challenger – ‘A non stop 108 mile race between Edale and Hawes…This challenging and technical section of the Pennine Way is a physically and psychologically demanding route that demands concentration, good physical fitness, resolve and respect.’ Where to start? I feel shell shocked, overwhelmed and as if the last few days have all … Continue reading Montane Spine Challenger
Its just after 6:30 on Saturday evening. It’s dark outside, you can hear the wind howling. I’m sitting in a cosy cafe in Ingram next to John Kelly (amongst others!) A beautiful glass 2nd female trophy is on the table in front of me. I’m sipping on hot, sweet, tea and chatting about Nicky Spinks, … Continue reading Montane Cheviot Goat Winter Ultra
My Lakeland 100 journey started at 4am on a Saturday morning in November 2017 as I travelled to the Lakes with Jules to accompany her on her first recce from Coniston to Buttermere. I was quite taken with the excitement and camaraderie surrounding the event. The route, 105miles of Lakeland trails, what’s not to like?! … Continue reading Lakeland 100
Todmorden, Saturday, May 11, 2019
AM/13.3Km/660m
In early April I was contacted by the team manager for the North East Counties, John Tollitt. He wanted to know whether I’d be available, if selected, to represent the North East. My reply was pretty speedy, a short and sweet, most definitely. The last time I’d represented the North East I was in my … Continue reading The Flower Scar Fell Race, Inter County Fell and Hill Championships
Ingram Village Hall, Breamish Valley, Northumberland, Saturday, December 1, 2018
55miles, 95% on trail/fell, 9500ft ascent, 24 hour limit
A 55 m ultra run will test all your abilities as both your body and mind are placed under stress in this unforgiving environment.’ The Cheviot Goat takes you to ‘the last wild places in England where population count per square mile is the lowest to be had.’ Well if that doesn’t grab your attention, … Continue reading The Montane Cheviot Goat Winter Ultra Run
The Wasdale Fell Race claims to be one of the toughest fell races and I was soon to realise just how tough. Since my BGR I’d tried not to lose fitness but unfortunately, recovery has taken its time and it was only last week that my body and my knees were feeling anywhere near as … Continue reading Wasdale ‘Horseshoe’ 2018